In nuclear construction, few credentials speak louder than an ASME N-type stamp. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers reserves these certifications for companies capable of meeting the rigorous standards of nuclear fabrication and assembly, authorizing them to deliver safe, high-quality work. Globally, fewer than 50 organizations have the capabilities that PCL now offers.

PCL Nuclear has successfully qualified for three nuclear N-type stamps: the NA (certification for shop assembly and field installation), NS (fabrication of supports), and NPT (fabrication of parts, accessories, welded tubular products, and piping subassemblies). This milestone elevates PCL into an exclusive group of organizations in North America as it becomes the only Western Canadian construction company with this breadth of nuclear fabrication certification. The team is pursuing the final piece, the full N stamp for nuclear vessel fabrication.  

Achieving these certifications was no small feat. As Procurement Engineering Manager Joel Pepin explains, “Every step of the way, there’s just a little bit more to ensure that when a material is installed in a nuclear facility, it is absolutely the right material. There’s no room for error.”

Even more meticulous than traditional industrial fabrication, nuclear work demands strict checks and balances at every stage, from supplier audits to extensive testing, documentation, and training. “If the paperwork for a standard industrial build is an inch thick, the paperwork for nuclear is 10 inches thick,” adds District Quality Manager Randy Gleave.

The team spent more than 18 months building a nuclear-grade quality program by developing specialized procedures and training staff, culminating in a detailed audit by ASME and the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA). Their efforts paid off, Gleave says. “Landing three N-type stamps on the first attempt is truly a rare achievement in this industry.”

Pepin notes that success was also due to collaboration with third-party experts. “Even suppliers with nuclear experience were venturing into new territory with some materials requirements,” he says. “We grew together, and the experience has left us better positioned to work alongside Canada's evolving nuclear regulatory framework and beyond.”

Attaining the N-type stamps has implications far beyond PCL’s capacity to land nuclear projects. Louie Shoukas, PCL’s chief nuclear officer, emphasizes its broader impact on the industry due to significant growth in the coming years.

“There were very few suppliers that could fabricate reactor vessels or key components,” Shoukas says. “Now, we bring a critical skill set to a supply chain that desperately needs reinforcement.”

With nuclear energy primed to play a vital role in the global energy transition, PCL’s entrance into this sector addresses an industry bottleneck. “Having only one supplier is a bottleneck risk,” Shoukas adds. “PCL entering the market means utilities now have real options for reliable, qualified fabrication and construction partners.”

Shoukas anticipates nuclear work to provide stable, long-term opportunities for PCL, noting its resilience even in boom-and-bust economic cycles. As small modular reactors (SMRs) and micro-modular reactors (MMRs) projects gain momentum across North America, PCL’s early investment in certification gives it a head start in becoming a key player in the emerging nuclear sector.

According to Director of Operations Peter Tawfik, PCL’s entry into nuclear isn’t just strategic, it’s a natural progression for a company that seeks fresh ideas and drives toward the biggest challenges.

“We want the most complicated, highly regulated projects,” Tawfik says. “Nuclear demands discipline, precision, and a process-driven culture. Our culture is built for that. Nuclear fits our DNA.”

Tawfik points out that PCL’s expertise in major power generation projects, from oil sands to petrochemicals, naturally translates to nuclear. “We are a premier power generation delivery company,” he says. “The world is evolving toward nuclear for carbon-free energy; it makes perfect sense for us to help lead the way.”

He also sees PCL’s entry as a necessary evolution for the nuclear sector itself. He emphasizes that the nuclear industry needs construction partners who understand the challenges of large-scale project delivery—modularization, material logistics, and quality assurance. "That’s our strength,” he says. “We know how to deliver massive, complex projects on time and on budget."

PCL’s employee-owned structure adds further value to potential partners, Tawfik adds.

“Employee ownership drives a level of commitment and care you don’t often find in the industry,” he says. “It’s an advantage when working in the nuclear space, where quality is everything.”

With three N-type stamps secured and a nuclear quality program that grows stronger by the day, PCL stands ready to support the nuclear industry’s next generation of projects, from modular reactors to grid-scale deployments.

Louie Shoukas, for one, is more than ready for the opportunity.

“Nuclear is set to shake up how we think about energy and powering the future,” he says, “And sooner rather than later. When the work comes, we’re ready to go.”